Nobody sets out on an assignment with the intention of failing. At times, the results we face are different from what we anticipated. However, focusing on your failure won’t lead to progress. Allow the Lord to reveal the reasons behind the setback and consider how you can move forward.

Disobedience

Failure is very often a result of defiance to God’s commands, as well as reluctance to align with His appointed leaders.  

Deuteronomy 28 outlines many blessings as a result of obeying God, but also many curses as a result of disobedience.  These curses are evident in the lives of many believers.  One may ask why they are living under a curse.  Did Jesus not break the curse on the cross?  The answer is that Jesus broke the curse of sin and death.  The curse of your blessing is broken through obedience. 

Throughout scripture it is evident that God demands obedience to those He called to lead His people.  We also note the constant failure of Israel as a result of their disobedience.  When they complained against Moses, they complained against God (Exodus 16:8). God made it clear that those who are rebel against His representative, Samuel, are actually rebelling against God (1 Samuel 8:7).  Gehazi’s disobedience, in attempting to take gifts from Naaman after Elisha had rejected them, was an act of rebellion against both Elisha’s authority and God’s command.  His greed and dishonesty led to him being struck with the same leprosy Naaman had (2 Kings 5).  Similarly, Achan’s theft of silver, gold, and the Babylonian garment in Jericho violated God’s command and caused Israel’s defeat at Ai (Joshua 7).  

There is a definite connection between rebellion against God Himself and rebellion against His chosen leaders; and serious implications for rejecting His authority.  Disobedience to God-given authority doesn’t just affect the individual, but can bring failure and consequences upon the broader spiritual community, including the entire Church.

Your Kingdom assignment is always connected to your spiritual father and the Lord will test your obedience to your father.   Paul reminds the Thessalonians that when they reject God’s teachings through His appointed leaders, they are not merely rejecting the leaders but rejecting God Himself.  This speaks to the authority that comes with God’s calling and how spiritual leadership is a reflection of God’s will           (1 Thessalonians 4:8).  Paul instructed them to follow his example, as he follows Christ.  If we receive those who God sent, we receive Him.  If we obey them, we obey Him. (John 13:20). 

Ultimately, the goal is that we receive and follow His instructions so that we succeed in every area of our lives. 

God sets the solitary in families; he brings out those who are bound into prosperity; but the rebellious dwell in a dry land. – Psalm 68:6